2021-01-18 GC - Item 3 - Attachment 3 - Cost Benefit Analysis for Coastal Erosion Options

5.3.        Summary

Eastern Beaches
For the Eastern Beaches, the most socio-economically feasible adaptation option is dune
management and dune augmentation, such as assessed through option 3. It is also likely that
planning restrictions (i.e. option 7) may deliver net economic benefits. Whilst option 3 appears to be
the most beneficial option in this analysis, it is dependent upon sufficient sand availability to continue
to undertake dune augmentation until 2100. It also depends on continued funding and political buy-in
for this augmentation to be undertaken every 5 years. The analysis has also not been able to account
for the impact of storm events which may also reduce the benefits from dune augmentation or require
more frequent interventions at an increased cost. Option 7, whilst delivering lower net benefits than
option 3 under this analysis, is lower risk. There are limited additional costs associated with changes
to the planning, and no requirements for continued interventions and funding over time. Implementing
planning restrictions such as those in option 7, alongside dune augmentation in viable locations is
likely to deliver socio-economic benefits to the community and reduce risks. Further investigation into
the full costs of dune augmentation and detailed land use planning provisions should therefore be
undertaken.

Based on this analysis it is unlikely that benefits of acquisitions (such as under options 5 and 6) will
outweigh the costs in the Eastern Beaches area. It is also highly unlikely that development of seawalls
(option 4) is feasible or appropriate in these locations. In general, the majority of the benefits of all
options accrue to a small number of people in the community who currently own beachfront
properties. The equity implications of the wider community funding any actions that provide protection
for these private properties through the Council should be carefully considered.


Teewah
In Teewah there are limited benefits from undertaking any type of adaptation activity, as the majority
of properties are not affected until 2100. Acquisition of a very limited number of properties may be the
most appropriate option in this location. However, the value of this is dependent on the public value of
additional open space, particularly in the context of existing adjacent land uses of a similar type. This
should be tested through community consultation and preferably an economic analysis of the
community’s willingness to pay.




AITHER | Final Report                                                                                   24
Noosa Shire Council – Coastal Hazard Adaptation Plan